By Nigar Bayramli September 23, 2025 https://www.iranintl.com/en/202509202533
A new surface-to-surface 4th-generation Khorramshahr ballistic missile called Khaibar with a range of 2,000 km was launched from an undisclosed location in Iran, on May 25, 2023. / Iran International
An Iranian parliamentarian has said that his country has successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile.
“Two nights ago [on September 18], we tested one of the country’s most advanced missiles, which had not been tested so far, and it was successful,” MP Mohsen Zanganeh told state broadcaster IRIB on September 20, according to the UK-based Iran International.
The lawmaker said that the launch was a "significant milestone" in the country's strategic defense capabilities and added that “I want to say that even under these circumstances, we are conducting a security test of an intercontinental missile”.
On September 19, an official in Iran's north-eastern Semnan Province said a "luminous object" spotted in the sky was the result of a "domestic missile test and does not pose any threat to the people", after speculations over it by Iranian social media users. Residents across Tehran and in nearby cities, including Gorgan, Sari and Semnan, reported seeing the missile’s trajectory in the night sky.
Iran's missile program is a major focus of international concern. While Tehran maintains its missile development is for national defense and deterrence, critics argue that the program's long-range capabilities could destabilize regional security dynamics.
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons, citing a fatwa by the Supreme Leader and insists that its missile program is defensive. Yet several high-ranking officials have in recent years talked about the necessity of developing an atomic bomb and the possibility of changing the "nuclear doctrine".
On September 21, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) pledged "another deadly and lesson-teaching" response in case of any "miscalculation" and aggression by the "enemy", especially Israel and the US.
The IRGC also said in a statement that the Iranian armed forces had demonstrated a high level of "self-sufficiency, deterrence, and combat readiness" during the 12-day war in June, when the US hit Iranian nuclear facilities.
The statement also highlighted the IRGC's "unwavering support for the Resistance", referring to Iran's regional network of allies and proxies against Israel.
Hardliners in Iran's parliament are pushing for escalatory steps after the UN Security Council voted against lifting sanctions on Iran ahead of the so-called "snapback" of UN embargoes on September 28.
“Withdrawing from the NPT, adopting a policy of ambiguity and ultimately testing the atomic bomb is the only option that can spare Iran the fate of Iraq and Libya,” Ahmad Naderi, a member of the parliament’s presiding board, said on September 20.
"Experience has shown that countries without nuclear deterrence eventually become victims of invasion or regime change. The time has come to make hard but necessary decisions."